It is a crime to knowingly or intentionally possess marijuana in New
York. Penalties vary according to the amount possessed and
whether the offense was a first or subsequent violation.
[40 N.Y. Laws Ann. §§ 221.05, 221.10, 221.15, 221.25, & 221.30]

Up to 25 grams

New York has decriminalized possession of small amounts of marijuana
(at least as far as first and second violations are involved).
Violations are considered civil citations (similar to a traffic
violation), which incur a fine, but no jail time. There is a fine
of up
to $100 for a first offense, and up to $200 for a second offense.
Third
and subsequent offenses, however, are misdemeanors, and are punishable
with a fine of up to $250, up to five days in jail, or both.

Between 25 grams and
two ounces

Penalties include a fine of up to $500, up to three months in jail, or
both.

Between two and eight
ounces

Penalties include a fine of up to $1,000, up to one year in jail, or
both.

Between eight and 16
ounces

Penalties include a fine of up to $5,000, between one and four years in
prison, or both. Mandatory prison time applies to second offenses.

Between 16 ounces and
ten pounds

Penalties include a fine of up to $5,000, between one and seven years
in prison, or both. Mandatory prison time applies to second offenses.

Drug Paraphernalia

It is illegal in New York to manufacture, sell, or use drug
paraphernalia (or possess paraphernalia with the intent to do
so).
Paraphernalia includes items used in growing, harvesting, processing,
selling, storing, or using marijuana. Penalties include a fine of
up to
$1,000, up to one year in jail, or both.
[20 N.Y. Laws Ann. § 851].

An attorney can help protect your rights. If you seek to
contest the marijuana charges they can request a jury trial, challenge the
evidence against you and cross-examine the government's
witnesses. In addition, they can help you to decide if you want
to testify and subpoena witnesses for your behalf.

A lawyer can mean the difference between
incarceration and freedom. Besides losing
your liberty, a criminal conviction can damage your reputation, your
future job prospects, or in some instances, your right to vote or drive
a car.